Stranded wire structure and process and machine for producing the same



A ril 7, 1936. A. J.' BRIGGS 2,036,393 STRANDED WIRE STRUCTURE AND PBOCESS AND MACHINE Fog PRQDUCIQG THE SAME Filed May 2, 1925 2 Sheds-Sheet 1 5 46 f 5 ,8 a 0 26 220 Z? I 32 w .19 45 H 3 ////////1k i A was Z 4 I l\\\\\ ZI 24 p42", 32 INVENTOR 47 3 5 28 20 2 #277901 IBn'yys v 7 a, 2 I8; Q\% BY 29 l9 Wrroauav April 7, i936. A. J. BRIGGS STRANDED WIRE STRUCT I JRE AND PROCESS AND MACHINE FOR PRODUCING THE SAME .Filed May 2, 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 l NVENTOR //?THUR 5R/666 W ATTORNEY Patented Apr. 7,

STRANDED WIRE STRUCTURE AND PROG- ESS AND moms FDR PRODUCHVG T SAME Arthur J. Briggs, Syracuse, N. Y... aseignor to American Cable a., lna, a corporation of Delaware ' Application May 2,

27 Elsi.

-, rope or cable constituting the structure, and the ill lit

primary object of the invention is the production of a substantially stress-tree structure ol the cove character.

as important object of the invention is to provide a process of preforming helically each component of such a strand, rope or cable, by a force applied thereto in a helical path arod the periphery, and which is accomplished without substantial twisting of the component during such preformation, and preferably by opposed rolling forces applied in symmetrical helical paths, the resultant of which forces serves to efiect the continuous bending or deformation of said component into helical convolutions around an axis in continuation of the original longitudinal axis of the component. This process is preferably carried into effect by exclusively rolling forces for the reason that, when so practiced it obviates the use of mandrels or dies, and its operation is therefore characterized by the favorable nature of the treatment afforded by an exclusively rolling force, which eflects a more perfect finish of the component wires.

A further object of the invention is to provide a machine particularly devised to carry into eflject the above described process, for which purpose the machine is provided with means to apply a bending force to the wire in a helical path around its periphery, such means preferably taking the form of a series of rolls in sets mounted on carriers each adapted torotate around one of the ,wires or other strand components as it passes lengthwise through the machine, these rolls thus acting in a helical path to bend each component into helical convolutlons. The several sets of rolls are arranged to deliver the helical components after their prefoination concurrently for laying in a strand, rope or cable, ready to be drawn-off and wound up as a completed product, the sets of rolls being preferably combined in a single rotatable preforming head.

The action of this machine in effecting the helical preiormation of the components is preferably of an exclusively rolling character, and in addition to the advantages of operation already enumerated briefly in describing.the process, it is possible, by adjustment of one or more of the rolls in a set, to change readily the radius, oi.

the helical convolutions produced, without subl925, Serial No. 273% (El. ill-ltd) stituticn of rolls, a. desirable result which is par ticularly characteristic oi this machine.

The term wire rope component is used herein as an inclusive designation for such components whether constituted by a single wire; or by several wires laid together to form a strand which is subjected to the helix-forming process; or by a wire-rope comprising several strands, and which is subjected to the heIhi-tormina process preparatory to being closed into a cable l t prisine' several such wire-ropes.

In the drawings- Figure l is a view in side elevation of a mace adapted to form a strand or rope consistina of a core surrounded by sin envelopina wires or strands, this particular nber beina selected merely because it conforms to conventional practice. It is to be understood, however, thatthe number of wires or strands is by no means invariable, it being, of course, permissible to use any number of wires or strands, with or without a core, which can be properly utilized. 1

Fig. 2 is a view in rear elevation partly in section of the machine shown in, Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a view in front elevation of the pre-. idrming head and associated parts, shown on a larger scale. r

Fig. 4 is a vertical longitudinal section on the line IV-IV of Fig. 3, upon a still larger scale.

Fig. 5 is a detail view in elevation looking in the direction of the arrows V bills. 4.

Fig. 6 is a' view in side elevation of an assembly of the preforming head with a suitable drawing-off mechanism and core-supply reel.

In the illustrated embodiment, standards i, t, and 3 are shown, secured to a suitable base or foundation 4 and which serve to support the operating parts. In the standard i is mounted rotatably a hollow spindle 5 which may desirably form part of a rotatable unitary structure, or rotor, provided with a head A, and with which is combined, preferably, a cage B with supply reels 6 containing the components 'I to be formed into helical convolutions it as they pass through the preforming head A preparatory to being laid in a strand, rope or cable 8, the formation of such a strand or similar product continuously being a suitable use for the machine selected for illustration.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, each of the supply reels 6 is arranged to turn end-over-= end relatively to the cage 3 as the latter rotates with the spindle 5, the reels being mounted in the individually rotatable reel supports 9 Journalled respectively in the cage ends III and H which are 55 hit keyed upon the spindle 5. The cage end II is supported rotatably upon wheels l2 and I3 Journailed in bearings 4 carried by the standards 2, serving to support rotatably the outer end of the spindle 5 and the rotor structure in general. Each of the rotatable reel-supports 9 has a crank II with a crank pin l5 engaged with a rotatable ring H, the weight of which is such that as the spindle 5 and cage B rotate, the cranks l5 maintain the reels 6 constantly in their vertical position. The illustrated rotative position of the ring I! is maintained by anti-friction devices 11 mounted on the standard I.

In accordance with the invention, the preforming head A is provided with a series of preforming devices a each adapted to apply a bending force to one of the components I, acting in a helical path around the periphery of the component as the latter is caused to pass through the preforming devices, and the preferred form of preforming device embodies a set of rolls l8, l9, and 29 mounted upon a carrier 2| provided with bearing studs 22 which constitute axes for the rolls approximately at right angles to the original axis of the component 1. The shouldered stud for the middle roll I 8 is preferably adjustable in the plane of the rolls as indicated, being mounted in a slot 23 in which it may be adjustably secured by a nut 24 and a set screw 25, so that the position of the roll l8 relatively to the rolls l9 and 29 can be regulated to vary the radius of the helical convolutions 8.

Means are provided preferably to cause relative rotation between each component 1 and the corresponding bending device a as the component is caused to pass the'rethrough, with the result that the component is formed into helical convolutions 8. This relative rotation is preferably accomplished by means acting positively to rotate each carrier 2| relatively to the preforming head A, for which purpose the carriers are Journalled at 26 in a flange 21 formed at the outer end of the head A, and the other end of each carrier is journalled at 28 in a bearing block 29 supported at 30 upon the head by means of bolts 3|, (see Fig. 3). The six carriers shown are spaced at equal distances around the head in convergent relation to the axis thereof and are provided with bevel gears 32 in mesh with a bevel gear 33 fast upon the hollow shaft 34 which extends through the central bore 35 of the spindle 5, being rotatable within a bearing 36 therein, and having at its other end a gear 38, co-axial with a gear 31 upon the spindle 5. These gears are driven respectively by gears 39 and 40 upon the lay shaft 4| at the desired relative speeds, which can be varied by means of change speed gears 42 and 43, the gear 43 being engaged with the intermediate gear 48a in order to give the proper relative speed requisite to compensate for diflerences in elasticity between various kinds of wire. The completed product may be closed and drawn-off through a bushing 44 secured by a set screw 45 mounted in the standard 3, use being made of any suitable drawing-oif mechanism, such as that shown in the patent to E. A. Conner, No. 1,513,583, granted on October 28, 1924, and which is herein illustrated in Fig. 6 at C. It may consist of the pulleys and 5|, the pulley 50 being a drive pulley mounted on a shaft 52, which, in turn, carries beveled pinion 53. The beveled pinion 53 meshes with the beveled pinion 54 mounted on the shaft 55, which, in turn, carries the gear 56. The gear 56 meshes with the pinion 51 mounted on a shaft 59 which extends toward the rear of the machine and is there connected with the lay shaft 4| by a chain of gears 59, 59 and 5| of suitable size to cause the drawing-on mechanism to maintain the core and cable under suitable tension and to move it at a speed coordinated with the speed of the preforming head. a

On the shaft 52 is mounted a sprocket-wheel 62, and on the shaft 53, which carries pulley 5|, is mounted another sprocket-wheel 54. The sprocket-wheels are connected by an endless sprocket chain in the usual manner and consequently as the pulley 59 rotates,'the pulley 5| rotates at the same speed. The tension on the completed cable 8 is created by passing it a sufficient number of times about the pulleys 50 and 5|, whereby suitable friction is caused. As the cable passes oil the pulley 59, it may be reeled or disposed of in any desired manner.

In operating the machine, for example to carry into effect the process for the formation of 'a strand having six wires laid upon a core, the core wire 46 is led through the axial bore 41 of the hollow shaft 34 and through the hub of the central gear 33 in the head A, passing thence through the bushing 44 in the standard 3 to the aforesaid drawing-ofl. and winding-up mechanism.

Assuming that the reels 6 are provided with a supply of wires 1, the latter are led through the hollow trunnions 46 of the rotatable reel-supports 9, and are threaded through the hollow trunnions 28 and 26 of the carriers 2|, and between the bending rolls I8, l9, and 20, to and around the core wire 46, derived from a suitable supplyreel 49, into position to be drawn therewith through the bushing 44 as the strand S is completed and drawn off. Upon rotation of the lay shaft 4|, the spindle 5 and its head A will be rotated by the gears 40 and 31, together with the cage B and its reels 6, the reels revolving around the spindle 5, and at the same time turning end over end, and rotating, each on its own axis, to let off the wires 1 under yielding tension of the braking devices 50.

When it is desired to compensate accurately for the elasticity of the wire, the head A and shaft 34 should be rotated in the same direction with each other but with the head rotating at a speed somewhat greater than that of the shaft, this difference serving to effect the relative speed of the carriers proper to compensate for the elasticity of the wire, which would otherwise cause the production of a pitch of helix longer than that which the take-01f demands, with resultant looseness in the lay.

The speed of rotation of the carriers is relatively low as compared with the speed of rotation of the head, the relative speeds being not more than one rotation of the former to N5 of the latter, even in most extreme-cases of degrass; of elasticity as commonly used. It should be understood that the end-over end or planetary motion of the supply reels and the non-rotation of the haul-off C permits a relative rotation as between the unformed portions of the components and the helical portions 8 thereof, on the one hand, and the preforming devices a operating upon them on the other hand, since each of the preforming devices accomplishes approximately a complete rotation relatively to the component upon which it operates for each revolution of the preforming device around the core, and this is substantially true whether the carriers 2| do or do not rotate on their bearings within the limits of the above stated ratio. The

V "2,030,393 mere planetary motion or the supply reels and the accompanying relative rotation as between the components and the respective preiorming devices, and the non-rotation of the completed product is, ofitself, enough, from a practical standpoint, even withoutany rotation oi? the carf ess of subjecting the unfo'rmed components to the action of forces adapted to form them into helices, at the same time permitting relative rotation as between the untormed portion and the emergent helix of each component on the one hand, and forming means operating on it on the other, the extent of said rotation being approximately one turn'for every convolution or the emergent helix, and laying the helically formed portions on a core to compose the structure, as the helically formed portions emerge from the forming means; also said structure is characterized' by the lay of the individual components so that in the composite structure the line of contact of a component with the core follows ahelical path around the periphery of the component in its original shape. The strand, rope or cable is substantially stress-free, without tendency of the components to fly apartwhen the structure is severed, and likewise free from tendency to kink or birdcage.

Having described my invention, I claim:-

1. In a machine for making wire strand, rope or cable, a preforming head provided with means adapted to act in a helical path around the periphery of each or a plurality of components for said strand, rope or cable, to cause deformation of said components respectively into helical convolutions, preparatory to laying said helical components in a strand, rope or cable, said means comprising a series of rotatable carriers mounted in spaced relation upon said head and having, respectively, bending devices to be revolved about said wire components byrotation of said carriers, and means to assemble said helical components to form a strand, rope or cable. v

2. In a machine for stranding wires, a preforming head provided with means adapted to act in' a helical path around the periphery of said wire to cause deformation-of said wire into helical convolutions, preparatory to laying said helical components in a'strand, rope or cable, said means comprising a series of rota-table carriers mounted in spaced relation upon said head and each having a roll to be revolved about one of said strand components by rotation of said carriers respectively, means to rotate said carriers and means to assemble said helical components in a strand, rope or cable.

3. In a machine for stranding wires, a preforming head provided with means adapted to act in a helical path around the periphery of said wire to cause deformation of said wire into helical convclutions, preparatory, to laying said helical components in a strand, rope or cable, said means comprising a series of rotatable carriers mounted in spaced relation upon said head and each having a set of rolls to be revolved about one of said strand components by rotation of said carriers respectively, means to rotate said carriers and means to assemble said helical components in a strand, rope or cable.

4. In a machine for stranding wires, means adapted to act in a helical path around the periphery of each of said wire strand components to cause deformation of said wire into helical convolutions, said means comprising a series 0! sets 01' grooved rolls mounted in spaced relation around the axis of a rotatable head and means I tocause revolution of each set of 'rolls around one of said wire strand components as the head is rotated'preparatory to laying said strand components in a strand, rope or cable, and a cage having a seriesoi supply reelsftor the strand components mounted to revolve about said axis,

motion around said axis, and also for rotation on their individual axes. g

5. In a machine for stranding wires, a rotor comprising a spindle, a creel carried by said spindie and provided with a series of supply reels for the component wires. a preforming head on said spindle and provided with a series of carriers 'journalled rotatably in spaced relation around said spindle, each carrier having a bending device said devices acting tobend each such wire into 3 a helix. and said carriers co-o'perating to deliversaid helical components, for laying together around the axis of said head in a strand, rope or cable.

6. In a machine for stranding wires, a rotor comprising a spindle, a creel carried by said spindle and provided with a series of supply reels for the component wires, aipreiorming head on said spindle and provided with a. series of carriers journalled rotatably in spaced relation around said spindle, each carrier having a bending device adapted to be rotated around and thereby to apply a bending force to one of the strand wire components led from one of the supply reels, said devices acting to bend each such 7. In a machine for stranding wires, a rotor comprising a spindle, a creel carried by said spindle and provided with a series of supply reels for the component wires, a. preforming head on said spindle and provided with a series of carriers journalled rotatably in spaced relation around said spindle, each carrier having a bending device adapted to apply a bending force to one of the strand wire components led from one of the supply reels, said devices acting to bend each such wire into a helix, and said carriers co-operating to deliver said helical components for laying together around the axis of said head in a strand, rope or cable, and means to rotate said head about its axis and to rotate said carriers on their individual axes relatively to the rotation of said head, whereby said bending devices are revolved about their respective wires, applying said bending force continuously to the wire in a helical path around the periphery of the wire,

, said supply reels being adapted for planetary iii thereby compensating for the elastic factor of the wire utilized for said strand components.

8. In a machine for stranding wires, a rotor comprising a central spindle, a creel carried by said spindle and provided with a series of supply reels for the component wires, 9. preforming head on said spindle and provided with a series of carriers Journalled rotatably in spaced relation around said spindle, and each having a set of bending devices mounted in opposed relation around the axis of rotation of the carrier, said sets of bending devices being adapted respectively each to apply opposed bending forces to one of the strand wire components led from one of the supply reels, acting to bend each such wire into a helix, and said carriers co-operating to deliver said helical components for laying together around the axis said head in a strand, rope or cable; means to rotate said head; and means to rotate said carriers together relatively to the rotation of said head, whereby said bending devices are revolved about their respective wires, applying said bending force continuously to the wire in a helical path around the periphery of the wire, thereby compensating for the elastic factor of the wire utilized for said strand components.

9. In a machine for stranding wires, a rotor comprising a hollow spindle, a creel carried by said spindle and provided with a series of supply reels for the component wires, a preforming head on said spindle and provided with a series of carriers having hollow trunnions journalled rotatably in spaced relation around said spindle, and a shaft extending through said spindle and head and having a gear disposed centrally of said head and carriers, each of said carriers having a trunnion-gear in mesh with said shaft-gear and each carrier having a set of bending devices mounted rotatably in opposed relation around the axis of rotation of the carrier, and said bending devices being adapted respectively each to apply opposed rolling forces to one 01' the strand wire components led from one of the supply reels through the hollow trunnions and carrier gears, acting to bend each such wire into a helix, and said carriers co-operating to deliver said helical components for laying together around the axis of said head in a strand, rope or cable; adjustable means to rotate said head and shaft at relative speeds adapted to cause said gears to rotate said carriers slowly relatively to the rotation of said head, whereby said bending devices are revolved about their respective wires, applying said bending force continuously to the wire in helical paths spaced symmetrically around the periphery oi. the wire, thereby compensating for the varying elastic factors 01' different kinds of wire utilized for said strand components.

10. In a machine for stranding wires, a rotor comprising a hollow spindle,. a creel carried by said spindle and provided with a series of supply reels for the component wires, a preforming head on said spindle and provided with a series of carriers having hollow trunnions journalled rotatably in spaced convergent relation around said spindle, and a shaft extending through said spindle and head and having a gear disposed centrally of said head and carriers, each of said carriers having a trunnion-gear in mesh with said shaft-gear and each carrier having a set of grooved rolls mounted rotatably in opposed relation around the-axis of rotation of the carrier, one of said rolls being adjustable transversely of said axis, and said sets of rolls being adapted respectively each to apply opposed rolling forces to one 01 the strand wire components led from one of the supply reels through the hollow trunnions and carrier gears, acting to bend each such wire into a helix, and said carriers cooperating to deliver said helical components for laying together around the axis of said head in a strand, rope or cable; adjustable means to rotate saidv head and spindle at relative speeds adapted to cause said gears to rotate said carriers slowly relatively to the rotation of said head, thereby compensating for the varying elastic factors of different kinds of wire utilized for said strand components; whereby said rolls are revolved. about their respective wires, applying said rolling force continuously to the wire in helical paths spaced symmetrically around the periphery of the wire.

11. In a machine for stranding wires, a rotor comprising a hollow spindle, a creel carried by said spindle and provided with a series of supply reels for the component wires, a preforming head on said spindle and provided with a series of carriers having hollow trunnions journalled rotatably in spaced convergent relation around said spindle, and a hollow shaft extending through said spindle and head and having a gear disposed centrally of said head and carriers, each of said carriers having a trunnion-gear in mesh with said shaft-gear and each carrier having a set of three grooved rolls mounted rotatably in opposed relation around the axis of rotation of the carrier, the middle one of said rolls being adjustable transversely of said axis, and said sets of rolls being adapted respectively each to apply opposed rolling forces, to one of the strand wire components led from one of the supply reels through the hollow trunnions and carrier gears, acting to bend each such wire into a helix, and said carriers co-operating to deliver said helical components for laying together around a core passing through said hollow shaft, to form a strand, rope or cable; and adjustable means to rotate said head and spindle at relative speeds adapted to cause said gears to rotate said carriers slowly relative to the rotation of said head thereby compensating for the varying elastic factors of different kinds of wire utilized for said strand components; whereby said rolls are revolved about their respective wires, applying said rolling forces continuously to the wire in helical paths spaced symmetrically around the periphery oi the wire.

12. In a machine for stranding wires, a preforming head provided with a series of carriers journalled rotatably in spaced relation around the axis of said head, each having a set of rolls mounted rotatably in opposed relation around the axis of rotation of the carrier, and said sets of rolls being adapted respectively each to apply a rolling force to one of the strand wire components, acting rotatively around one of the wire components to bend each such wire into a helix, and said carriers co-operating to deliver said helical components for laying together around the axis of said head in a strand, rope or cable; and means to rotate said carriers at a speed relatively to said head adapted to compensate for the elastic factor 01 wire utilized for said strand components.

13. In a machine for stranding wires, a preforming head provided with a series of carriers journalled rotatably in spaced relation around the axis of said head, each having a set of rolls mounted rotatably in opposed relation around the axis of rotation of the carrier, and said sets of rolls being adapted respectively each to apply a rolling force to one of the. strand wire components, acting to bend each such wire into a helix, and said carriers co-operating to deliver said helical components for laying together around the axis of said head in a" strand, rope or cable; and means to rotate said carriers at a speed rela tively to said head adapted to compensate ior the elastic factor of wire utilized for said strand components, said rolls being revolved about their respective wires, applying said rolling force continuously to the wire in a helical path around the periphery of the wire.

14, In a machine for stranding wires, a rotor comprising a hollow spindle, a creel carried by said spindle and provided with a series of supply reels for the component wires, a preforming head on said spindle and provided with a series of carriers having hollow trunnions journalled rotatably in spaced convergent relationaround said spindle, and a hollow shaft extending through said spindle and head and having a gear disposed centrally of said head and carriers, each of said carriers having a trunnion-gear. in mesh with said shaft-gear and each carrier having a set of three grooved rolls mounted rotatably in opposed relation around the axis of rotation of the carrier, the middle one of said rolls being adjustable transversely of said axis, and said sets of rolls being adapted respectively each to apply opposed rolling forces to one of the strand wire components led from one of the supply reels through the hollow trunnions and carrier gears, acting to bend each such wire into a helix, and said carriers co-operating to, deliver said helical components for laying together around the axis of said head in a strand, rope or cable; adjustable means to rotate said head and spindle at relative speeds adapted to cause said gears to rotate said carriers slowly relatively to the rotation of said head, thereby compensating for the varying elastic factors of difierent kinds oi. wire utilized for said strand components; and means to cause said supply reels to turn end for end relatively to said head during rotation of said spindle, to maintain the axes of rotation of said reels constantly in parallel planes; whereby said wires are turned constantly relatively to the head, one turn of each wire for each rotation of the head, and said rolls are revolved about their respective wires, applying said rolling force continuously to the wire in helical paths spaced symmetrically around the periphery of the wire.

15. A machine for fabricating a stranded wire structure of the type composed of wire components laid in helical relation around a longitudinal axis, said machine being characterized by means to shape the untormed stock components into the helical form they are to possess in the composite structure, means to feed said stock components through said helix-forming means while permitting. relative rotation as between the unformed portion and the emergent helix on the one hand and the forming means on the other, the extent of said rotation being approximately one turn for every convolution of the emergent helix, and means to lay said helically formed portions on a core tocornpose the structure as the said helically formed portions emerge from the forming means,

16. A machine for fabricating a stranded wire structure of the type composed of wire components laid in helical relation around a longitudinal axis, said machine being characterized by means to shape the unformed stock components into the helical form they are to possess in the composite structure, means to force said stock components through said helix-forming means, means to cause the unformed portion of said components and the emergent helical portions to remain in the same angular position with respect to each other, and to produce relative rotation as between said unformed portions on the one hand and the forming means on the other, and means to innpart a planetary motion to said helically formed portions to lay them on a core to constitute the finished structure.

1'7. A machine for fabricating a stranded wire structure of the type characterized in that each component thereof is permanently set to the term which it possesses in the structure, said machine being characterized by means to shape the tinformed stock components into helices, means to force said stock components through said helixforming means while at the same time maintaining the unformed portions and the emergent helical portions of said components in substantially the same angular position, means to cause revolution of the forming means about the components at the rate of approximately one revolution to every convolution of the formed helix, and means to impart a planetary motion to the helically formed portions to lay them on a core as they emerge from the forming means to constitute the completed structure,

18. The process of producing inert-lay stranded wire structure of the type characterized'by the fact that the components of the same are permanently set to the form which they possess in the structure, which comprises passing the components through means adapted to form them into helices, at the same time laying them in place on the core of said structure concurrently by relative rotation of the components and core and also at the same time causing relative rota-i tion between the uniormed portions of the components and the core, and at the same time causing rotation of each component bodily on its own axis in a direction opposite to that in which it is being laid about the core of the structure, the said bodily rotation of each component being of sufllcient speed compared with the speed of laying into the structure to prevent substantial torsional stresses from being created in said component.

19. The process of producing inert-lay wire rope of the type characterized by the fact that the strands and the wires composing the same are permanently set tov the form which they possees in the rope, which comprises passing the strands through means adapted to form them into helices, at the same time laying them in place on the core of said rope concurrently by relative rotation of the strands and core, and also at the same time causing relative rotation between the unformed portions of the strands rotation of each strandbodily on its own axis in a direction opposite to that in which it is be-z Eli iii)

and the core, and at the same time causing ture as the said helically formed portions emerge from the forming means.

21. A machine for fabricating stranded wire structure of the type composed of a plurality of wire components laid in helical relation around a longitudinal axis, said machine comprising a plurality of bending devices adapted to bend into permanent helical form wires passing therethrough, while said bending devices and said wires are rotating relatively to each other approximately one full turn to each convolution of the helix, mechanism for forcing said wires through said bending devices, and means for causing said relative rotation and for causing the unformed portions of said components and the emergent helical portions to remain in the same angular position with respect to each other and for imparting a planetary motion to the said emergent helical portions to lay them in the completed structure. a

22. A machine for fabricating stranded wire structure of the type composed of a plurality of wire components laid in helical relation around a longitudinal axis, said machine comprising a rotatably mounted frame, a plurality of helix-forming dies mounted to revolve with said frame, wire supply carriers each of which is mounted in said frame for'rotation on a primary axis for the delivery of wire and on a secondary axis approximately at right angles thereto, mechanism for drawing wire from said carriers concurrently through said dies and thence into converging relation, said mechanism being adapted to take up the said finished structure without rotating the same on its longitudinal axis, and means operating to so control the angular position of each of said carriers on its said secondary axis as to cause relative rotation in opposite direction between each of said dies and the wire component upon which it is acting, said relative rotation amounting to approximately one turn of each component for each revolution of the die acting thereon.

23. A machine for fabricating stranded wire structure of the type composed of a plurality of wire components laid in helical relation around a longitudinal axis, said machine comprising a rotatably mounted frame, wire supply carriers each of which is mounted eccentrically in said frame, for rotation when delivering wire, on an axis lying in a plane substantially normal to the axis of rotation of the frame and each of which is also mounted rotatably in the frame on a secondary axis substantially normal to said plane, a plurality of helix-forming dies mounted to revolve with said frame, mechanism for drawing wire from said carriers concurrently through said dies and thence into converging relation, said mechanism being adapted to take up the said finished structure without rotating the same on its longitudinal axis, and means for so controlling the angular position of each of said carriers on its secondary axis as to cause such carrier to rotate on said secondary axis relatively to its corresponding die in a direction opposite the direction of revolution of said die and to an extent approximating one such opposite rotation of the carrier to each full turn of the die.

24. A stranded wire structure composed of stress-free components laid in helical relation around a core of the composite structure, said structure having the physical characteristics resulting from the process of forcing the unformed components through means adapted to form them into helices of the dimensions possessed by said components when laid into said structure, at the same time permitting relative rotation as between the unformed portions of each component on the one hand and the forming means on the other, such relative rotation being such as to avoid substantial twisting of said components on their axes, and laying the helically formed components on the said core.

25. A machine for fabricating stranded wire structure of the type composed of multiple stressfree components laid in helical relation around a core, said machine comprising a rotatable frame, a plurality of bending devices mounted eccentrically in said frame and adapted to bend said components as they pass therethrough into the permanent helical form which they are to possess in the structure while said bending devices and said components are rotating relatively to each other,

mechanism for forcing the said components through said bending devices, and mechanism for causing said relative rotation and for imparting a planetary motion to the helically formed portions emerging from said bending devices for laying the said helically formed portions into the completed structure.

26. A process of fabricating stranded wire structure of the type comprising a core and multiple stress-free helical components laid thereon, which comprises forcing the unformed components through means adapted to form them into helices of the dimensions which they possess in the structure, at the same time permitting relative rotation as between the unformed portion and the emergent helix on the one hand and the forming means operating on it on the other, said relative rotation being suflicient to avoid substantialtwisting of said components, and laying the I helically formed portions on the said core as the said helically formed portions emerge from the forming means.

27. Preformed wire rope comprising acore and at least one layer of a plurality of enveloping helically-shaped strands each of which also comprises a core, the individual wires of which are permanently set to the helical form that they occupy with relation to the strand core and are also permanently set to the form that they occupy withrelation to the rope core, said rope being the result of the process which consists in forcing the unformed strands through means adapted to form them into helices while at the same time permitting relative rotation as between the unformed portion of each strand and the emergent helix thereof on the one hand and the forming means on the other, the extent of said rotation being approximately one turn for every convolution of the emergent helix, and as the said helices are formed laying them on a core to compose the rope.

ARTHUR J. BRIGGS. 

